Santa Ana, California, is a vibrant and diverse city with a significant Muslim population. Muslims of various ethnic backgrounds, including Arabs, Pakistanis, Iranians, and others, have made Santa Ana their home. As of 2020, the city had an estimated population of over 330,000, with Muslims constituting a significant minority.
Arab Muslims make up a large portion of the Muslim community in Santa Ana. Many of them immigrated to the United States from countries such as Egypt, Lebanon, and Syria. The Arab-American community in Santa Ana has grown significantly in recent years, with many families settling in the city and establishing their businesses. The community is closely knit, with several social and cultural organizations bringing people together.
Another significant Muslim community in Santa Ana is that of Pakistani Muslims. Many Pakistani Muslims have settled in Santa Ana and the surrounding areas, attracted by job opportunities and the city’s diverse culture. The Pakistani-American community is diverse, with people of different ethnicities, languages, and backgrounds coming together to form a cohesive community. Mosques and Islamic centers play an essential role in bringing the community together.
One of the most prominent Islamic centers in Santa Ana is the Islamic Society of Orange County (ISOC). The center was established in the 1970s and has since grown to become one of the largest and most active Islamic centers in the United States. The ISOC complex includes a mosque, a school, a community center, and a cemetery. The center provides a wide range of services to the Muslim community, including religious education, social services, and community events.
Another Islamic center in Santa Ana is the Islamic Center of Orange County (ICO). The center was established in the 1980s and serves the local Muslim community. The ICO provides religious education, social services, and community events. The center also has a mosque and a school.
The Omar Al-Farouq Mosque is another Islamic center in Santa Ana. The mosque was established in the 1990s and serves the local Muslim community. The mosque provides religious education, social services, and community events. The mosque also has a school.
The Muslim community in Santa Ana is active and engaged, with several organizations working to promote the welfare of the community. The Orange County Islamic Foundation (OCIF) is one such organization. The OCIF is a non-profit organization that aims to provide social, cultural, and religious services to the Muslim community in Orange County. The organization runs a mosque, a school, and several social and cultural programs.
The Muslim Students’ Association (MSA) at Santa Ana College is another organization that serves the Muslim community in Santa Ana. The MSA is a student-run organization that aims to provide social, cultural, and religious services to Muslim students at the college. The organization organizes events such as guest lectures, social gatherings, and religious activities.
In conclusion, the Muslim community in Santa Ana, California, is diverse and vibrant, with Muslims of various ethnic backgrounds coming together to form a cohesive community. The community is served by several Islamic centers, mosques, and organizations that provide religious, social, and cultural services. The Muslim community is an integral part of Santa Ana’s diverse and multicultural fabric and contributes significantly to the city’s social and economic life.
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